Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Woven labels with metallic thread are labels with a logo or details woven in metallised yarn in gold, silver, bronze or another metallic colour. These yarns are usually a polyester film with a metallised layer, wrapped or twisted with a carrier yarn, not real metal. They add sheen and a premium look and are most often combined with a dark base – black, navy or burgundy.
What woven labels with metallic thread are
Metallised yarn, often also called lurex, is used in the label as one of the weft colours. The loom brings it to the face where the logo or detail should be, and elsewhere it runs on the back. That is why metallic thread takes up one of the positions in the label's limited number of colours.
Metallic thread can also be used for the background, but this is a rare choice: the label becomes stiffer, and a logo on a shiny base is harder to read. Far more often the metal is in the logo and the base is matte and dark. Another option is a thin metallic stripe along the edge of the label, which emphasises its shape without overloading the design.
Types of metallic effects
- Gold – the most popular, in warm and cooler shades.
- Silver – a cool, modern look; works well on black and grey.
- Bronze, copper, rose gold – less common, for specific branding.
- Holographic and coloured metallics – for fashion and children's collections.
Combinations with the base
| Base | Metallic colour | Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Black | gold | classic luxury |
| Black or graphite | silver | modern, technical |
| Navy | gold | nautical, elegant style |
| Burgundy | gold | evening and festive wear |
| White or cream | gold | delicate, bridal, lingerie |
Metallic thread shows best on a dark base. On light bases gold looks less contrasting, so the logo needs to be larger.
Detail and limitations
Metallised yarn is usually thicker and stiffer than standard polyester, so it reproduces less detail. Very small text and thin lines in a metallic colour can look broken. It is practical to use the metal for the main mark or brand name and keep small text in an ordinary colour. If in doubt, ask for a sample.
Partial metallic
The whole logo does not have to be metallic. The effect is often stronger when the metal highlights only one element – the mark, a frame, a line or an initial. This way the label looks refined without being loud.
Comfort: does metallic thread scratch
Metallised yarns are stiffer than ordinary ones and, if used incorrectly, can be felt, especially on the back of the label, where they float. For neck labels and underwear we recommend:
- keeping the metallic element smaller in area;
- choosing soft damask or satin as the base;
- ultrasonic-cut edges or a woven selvedge;
- a centre fold, so the back does not touch the skin directly;
- testing a sample on a real garment.
For external labels on pockets, bags and hats, comfort is not an issue and the metal can cover a larger area.
Washing and care
Metallised yarns tolerate normal home washing but are more sensitive to high temperatures, aggressive detergents and bleaching. When ironing, it is best to iron the label from the reverse side or through a cloth at a lower temperature. If the garment requires washing at a high temperature, discuss the type of yarn with the manufacturer and test a sample.
Woven label with metallic thread or a metal plate
If you want a genuine metal effect, volume and weight, a metal plate may be more suitable. Here is a short comparison:
- Woven label with metallic thread – soft, light, flexible; sheen in the weave; suitable inside and outside.
- Metal plate – rigid, with volume and weight; a luxurious external accent; see our metal logo plates.
- Leather label with gold hot foil stamping – vintage and premium; see our leather labels.
Where metallic thread suits best
- Evening and formal wear.
- Luxury lingerie and nightwear.
- Festive and gift collections.
- Accessories – scarves, bags, hats.
- Brands positioned in the premium segment.
Metallic effect on different weaves
On damask, metallic thread looks like a clear, even sheen and contrasts well with the matte base. On satin, the sheen of the base and of the metal blend, so the effect is softer and more luxurious, but the metal stands out less. On taffeta, the coarser structure makes the metal look grainier. If you want the metal to be the main accent, the safest choice is a matte, dark damask.
Metal and brand identity
Gold and silver carry associations with luxury and festivity, so use them deliberately. If your brand is minimalist or sporty, silver thread in a small detail may look more appropriate than a large gold logo. If you use metal trims – buttons, eyelets, buckles – match the shade of the thread to them so the product looks finished.
Design and price
When preparing the design, mark which elements should be metallic and state the desired shade – warm or cool gold, silver. The price of the label is affected by the type of metallised yarn, the area of the metallic element, the size, the number of colours and the quantity. Specific figures are given after a request for a quote.
Woven labels with metallic thread from Polkom
Polkom makes woven labels with gold, silver and other metallised yarns to your design, as well as metal logo plates and leather labels to combine with them. Over 30 years of experience and delivery across the EU. Send an inquiry for a sample.
